Machine for and process of forming structural members



MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS OF FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed Aug. 5, 1936 16 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEY lNvENoR i EARL NIS/DDEE- @Ai-cw? n v v v0 wvw um. vu mdf TESI. E NR. .N w .SNXHM a. Lf R55 TL, v hij NO .mm um. .m mg@ wnm@ @iwf me@ m m. om w C. M. YODER Aug. 12, 1941.

MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS OF FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed Aug. 5, 1936 16 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR EARL. M Ynn ER- L iv/aa ATTORNEY Aug. 12, 1941. C. M. YODER 251,967

MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS OF FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed Aug. 5, 1956 16 Sheets-Sheet 3 C. M. YODER MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS OF FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed Aug. 5, 1936 16 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR BY EARL, M YDD EB.-

ATTORN EY Aug `12 c. M. YODER- 2,251,967 MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS OF FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Y Filed Aug. 5, 1956 16 Sheets--Sheel 5 ATTORNEY Aug. 12, w41.

C. M. YODER MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS OF FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed Aug. 5, 1936 16 Sheets-Sheet 6 T1. am

A lNvENToR l man M Ynn En.

TTORN EY Aug 12, 194% c. M. Yom-:R 2,251,67

MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS 0F FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed Aug. 5, 1936 16 Sheets-Sheet 7 E mi? BYEARL M YDD EH- {7M/:mw

ATTORN EY ug. 12,V 19ML M YODER 25L967 MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS 0F FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed Aug. S, 1936 16 sheets-sheet a BY EARL M YDDEE C. M. YODER Aug. 12, 19411.

MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS OF FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed Aug. 5, 1956 16 Sheets-Sheet 9 INVENTOR ATTORNEY C. M. YODER MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS OF FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS 16 Sheets-Sheet l0 Filed Aug. 5, 19,36

INVENTOR i. BY EARL M YDDEE.

TF1 m44.

ATTORNEY C. M. YODER MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS OF FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed Aug. 5, 1936 16 Sheets-Sheet l1 Tl E- 75T 11o INVENTOR EARL M YUDER.

BY A

@HAU/w ATTORNEY Aug 12, 1941- C. M. YODER 2,251,967

MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS OF FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed Aug. 5, 1936 16 Sheets-Sheet 12 Y Fia-55,

INVENTOR BY Emir.. M YDDBR.

41u. f3 .oww ATTORNEY Aug. l2, 1941. c. M. Yom-:R f 2,251,957

MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS OF FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed Aug. 5, 195e 1e sheets-sheet 1s INVENTOR BY EARL NLYUD ER /jp A @0cm ATTORNEY MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS OF FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Fild Aug. 5, 195e 16 sheets-sheet '14 L Er- 61.

//l l l W V 7a2 INVENTOR BY EARL. M Yun ER- /wdz ATTORNEY ug. 12, 1941. c. M. Yom-:R 2,251,957

MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS OF FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed Aug. 5, 193e 1e sheets-sheet' 15 INVENTOR BY EARL M YUDER.

fa/eme@ ATTORNEY Aug. 12, lll. Q M, YODER 2,251,967

MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS 0F FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed Aug. 5, 1956 16 Sheets-Sheet 16 ELL-L67.

INVENTOR EARL M YUDER ATTORNEY l. blllbu nlsl La, U11

UNlTED ,aipol STATES PATENT OFFICE MACHINE FOR AND PROCESS F FORMING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS 7 Claims.

This invention relates to a machine for and process of forming structural shapes or members, more particularly the invention relates to the forming of structural members for various uses from sheet material, for example, sheet metal or sheet steel, whereby cost of manufacture is reduced, and also, when desired, reinforcing such members longitudinally or transversely, dependent upon the intended use of the members; such members being adapted for use instead of rolledout billets, whereby a predetermined structural strength may be attained, but the weight of the members is materially reduced to facilitate their transportation and handling. One advantage of the invention resides in the fact that either hot or cold rolled sheet metal or sheet steel may be employed and that the members may be formed in a continuous rapid manner from stock supplied in straight form or from a coil thereof. Another advantage of the invention resides in the fact that the produced members are of uniform cross sectional shape irrespective of variations in the thickness and molecular structure of the stock being shaped.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved machine having a plurality of sets of removable rolls for continuously forming sheet stock into various cross sectional shapes, the roll sets co-operating to bend sections of the material to an abnormal position and to then re-bend the sections to their nal position to insure uniformity and permanent predetermined cross sectional shape throughout the length of the stock, whereby structural members of relatively light weight, while maintaining a predetermined strength, may be produced.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved machine of this character which may be operated in a rapid manner to continuously form sheet material into predetermined cross sectional shapes.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved machine for forming and reinforcing structural members from sheet material of any predetermined cross sectional shape, whereby relatively light gauge stock may be used while insuring maximum strength.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved process for forming or shaping sheet metal or sheet steel into predetermined shapes for application as supports, studding and other purposes.

A further object of the invention consists in so manipulating the sheet stock during forming thereof that it may be readily formed into its nal predetermined shape, uniformity is insured and ldanger of distortion of the resulting member due to handling is entirely avoided.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved structural member formed of metallic sheet stock and reinforced longitudinally or transversely when desired and according to the intended use thereof.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which my invention relates from the following description taken in connection with the accompannying drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is a plan view of a machine embodying my invention and capable of carrying out the steps of my process.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation.

Fig. 2a is a fragmentary elevational View looking towards the right on the line 2a 2a. of Fig. 2.

Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 'l are fragmentary sections on the lines 3 3, 4 4, 5 5, 6 6, and 1 1, respectively, of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a section on the line 8 8 of Figs. 1 and 8a.

Fig. 8a is a section on the line 80t`8a` of Fig. 8, parts being omitted to facilitate the illustration.

Figs. 9, 10, and 11 are sections on the lines 9 9, IFJ-Ill and Il l l, respectively, of Fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is a section on the line |2 |2 of Figs. 1 and 14a.

Figs. 13 and 14 are sections on the lines l3 |3 and lll-I4, respectively, of Fig. 14a. showing other rolls associated with the rolls shown in Fig. 12.

Fig. 14a is a fragmentary view, partly in plan and partly in section on theline Idar-|361. of Figs. 12, 13 and 14, showing the group of rolls shown in these latter views.

Figs. 15 and 16 are sections on the lines I5 I5 members similar to those shown in Fig-s. 18 to 26,

members in interlocked relation, applied as piles, parts being broken away.

Fig. 42 is a plan view of the parts shown in Fig. 41.

Fig. 43 shows the step of providing the member with sharp corners.

Figs. 44 and 45 show a modified form of mechanism for forming the member with sharp corners on its inner side.

Fig. 46 is a view showing the step of grooving the stock during the shaping thereof.

Figs. 47, 48 and 49 are views similar to Figs. 44, 45 and 46, respectively, wherein the member is provided with sharp corners on both its inner and outer sides.

Figs. 50 to 68, inclusive, are fragmentary sections through roll passes and the successive steps of forming an I-member.

Fig. 69 is a perspective view of an I-member.

Fig. 69a is a perspective view of a T-member.

Fig. 70 is a perspective View of an I-rnember having a transversely reinforced web.

Fig. 71 is a fragmentary section on the line II-'II of Fig. 70.

Fig. 72 is a fragmentary section showing the mechanism for reinforcing an I-member as shown in Fig. 70.

, Fig. 73 is a section on the line 'I3-'I3 of Fig. 72.

Fig. 74 is a perspective View of an I-member having a longitudinally reinforced web.

Fig. 75 is a fragmentary section showing the mechanism for reinforcing an I-member as shown in Fig. 74.

Referring. to Figs. 1 to 17, I indicates a support on which are mounted spaced pairs of standards 2 and supporting elements mounted between certain of the pairs of standards, as will later appear. The standards 2 support journal boxes 4 of suitable construction (preierably provided with anti-friction bearings) for supporting the opposite ends of upper and lower shafts 5.

The upper boxes are adjustably supported on or relative to the lower boxes by means of screws 4', whereby the upper boxes may be adjusted vertically. The upper boxes are clamped in position by screws lia threaded through bridge members 4b. Each shaft 5 of each pass is driven by a shaft 6 drivingly connected to the shaft 6 of the adjacent shaft 5, the latter shaft being driven through suitable gearing in a casing 'I to a drive shaft l', which in turn is driven by a motor (not shown); lbut if desired, the driven shaft 6 for each pass may be driven by a separate motor. The shafts mounted in the first pair of standards 2 are provided with feed rolls 8, to which is delivered by guide rolls 8a sheet stock of the desired thickness and width, whereas the shafts 5 mounted in the remaining Pairs of standards are provided with related rolls to form main passes 9, I0, II, I2, I3, I4 and I5. The supporting elements (later referred to) support intermediate` groups of co-operating idler rolls which co-operate with certain of the relathed rolls constituting the main passes, as the stock A is fed forwardly, to guide and/or shape it preparatory to the feed of the stock to the succeeding passes, respectively, the rolls of the main and intermediate passes being shaped and arranged to form a Z-member, as shown in Figs.

15 and 16, as illustrating one form of construction and the process embodying my invention.

The shafts 5 are removable and the rolls there. on are also removable, whereby sets of rolls dependent upon the final predetermined cross sectional shape of the stock, may be provided upon the shafts 5. Likewise, the number of main roll passes and intermediate groups of rolls may be increased or decreased according to the size and nal predetermined cross sectional shape of the stock to be produced. As shown in Fig. 3, the roll on each shaft 5 is mounted between a collar 5' and a clamping nut 5a, spacers being provided between the roll and these parts to insure alinement with the remaining sets and groups of rolls.

In the first main pass 9 (Fig. 4) the lateral sections a, a, of the stock are bent on longitudinal lines in opposite directions relative to its cent-ral section ax, as shown lat a (see Fig. 17) and such sections then pass to and between the intermediate idler rolls I6 mounted between the passes 9 and I0. Each roll I6 is loosely mounted on a shaft I'I xed to a base I8, which is slidably mounted in a block I8', the latter being adjustably secured to the adjacent supporting element 3. Each base I8 is formed with a threaded opening to receive a screw I9 suitably mounted in an end wall 20, so that by turning the screw the base I8 may be adjusted transversely to the direction of feed of the stock, to position the idler roll in position to engage the edge thereof, so that the roll I6 and the opposed roll IB may guide the stock to the second pass I0. The blocks I8 for the rolls I6 support a frame 3a. from which depends a guide element 2| arranged to co-operate with opposed portions of the blocks to guide the central section a of the stock. The blocks I8" are secured to the adjacent supporting element by bolts I 8a, which extend through elongated openings to permit transverse adjustment of the blocks.

In the second main pass, the sections a, a, of the stock are laterally bent by the rolls I0 (Fig. 6) to a greater angle, as shown at a2. Between pass II) and pass II I provide guide rolls and guide elements, indicated as an entirety at IIJ', preferably substantially similar to like parts as shown in Fig. 5, for guiding the stock to the pass II In the third pass II (Fig. 7), the sections a, a, are laterally bent to the position shown at a3 and the stock fed to the group of rolls between the pass II and pass I2. This roll group consists of two sets of rolls, each set comprising a plurality of outer rolls (preferably three rolls 22, 23, 24) for engaging one lateral section a of the stock and inner rolls 25, one in opposed relation to each roll 22, 23, 24, the rolls 22, 23, 24 of each set operating to bend the adjacent section a to the position shown at a4. The rolls 22, 23, 24, 25 are mounted on inclined shafts 26 so as to properly engage the sections a of the stock. The side wall of each roll 22 is inclined at an angle to its axis, whereas the side wall of each roll 23 is inclined at an angle to its axis less than that of the adjacent roll.

22 and the side wall of each roll 24 is substantially parallel to its axis, whereby these rolls successively operate to bend the sections a to the position shown at a4, as they are fed by the -rolls of the pass II to the rolls of pass I2 (Fig.

threads into a cross member 3| to secure the base portion thereto. Each cross member 3| is suitably secured to the adjacent standards 2. The slot 29 in each base portion permits the adjacent support to be adjusted transversely to the feed of the stock, whereby the adjacent rolls may be properly positioned. As shown, one set of rolls is supported on one cross member 3| above the stock so that the rolls of this latter set are mounted on the lower side of said member. Vertical adjustment of the rolls mounted on the upper cross member 3| is effected by providing shims between the cross member and adjacent base portions. Each support 21, 21 is engaged by one or more abutments 32 to resist lateral pressure due to the engagement of the adjacent rolls with the stock. The abutments 32 for each support 21 consist of screws threaded through openings formed in the support 21 for the adjacent rolls 22, 23 and 24. The abutments 32 for each support 21, consist of screws mounted in bars 33, which are suitably secure at their opposite ends to the sides of the adjacent standards 2, an-d threaded into openings formed in bosses 34 suitably xed to the adja-` cent roll support.

The rolls of the pass I2 (Fig. 9) serves to feed the stock forwardly to a group of rolls indicated as an -entirety at 35 and to the succeeding main pass I3 (Fig. 10) and also operate to set the sections a, a, a in the angular relation to which they were bent by the sets of rolls 22, 23, 24, 25.

The group of rolls 35 is arranged between the passes I2 and I3 and comprise two sets of rolls constructed and mounted similarly to the sets of rolls 22, 23, 24, 25, except that the sets of rolls of the group 35 operate to bend the sections a, a, from the position shown at a4 to the position shown at a5.

The rolls of pass I3 (Fig. 10) serve to feed the stock to a group of rolls, indicated as an entirety at 35, arranged between the passes I3 and I4 and to the latter pass, and also operate to set the sections a, a, in the angular relation to which they were bent by the group of rolls 35. The group of rolls 36 comprise two sets of rolls constructed and mounted substantially similarly to the sets of rolls 22, 23, 24, 25, except that the sets of rolls of the group 36 operate to bend the sections a, a, from the position shown at a5 to the position shown at a6.

The rolls of pass I4 (Fig. 11) serve to feed the stock forwardly to a group of rolls, indicated as an entirety at 31, and to the succeeding main pass I5 (Fig. 15) and to set the sections a, a, aX, in the angular relation to which they were bent by the group of rolls 36.

The group of rolls 31 may serve to bend the sections a, a, to an abnormal position or beyond their nal position, as shown at a", following which the sections may be allowed to spring back to the final predetermined position, as shown at a8. But by preference, the group of rolls 31 is arranged to effect two bending operations on the sections a, a, to wit, rst to bend them to the position shown at a'7 and second to bend them in the reverse direction to their final position, shown at a8, the purpose being to bend the stock sections at and along their contiguous portions between the sections a-aX, a--a, beyond their final predetermined angular position and to then positively re-bend the sections a, a, back to their final position, whereby strains and stresses in these contiguous portions are eliminated and v29 and a -bolt 30 extends through the slot and danger of deflection or distortion of the sections a, a, or twisting of the shape from end to end is avoided, irrespective of the variations in the thickness of the material, or varying conditions existent in the molecular structure of the material itself. By forcing the sections a back to their nal position it insures uniformity in the final shape of the stock. The groupof rolls 31 comprise three sets of rolls, one set indicated as an entirety at 38 (Fig. 12), which serves to bend one section a to the position shown at a", a second set indicated as an entirety at 39 (Fig. 13), which serves to bend the other section a to the position shown at a1, and a third set indicated as entirety at 40 (Fig. 14), which serves to bend the sections a, a., in the reverse direction to their predetermined nal position a8, preferably at right angles to the section ax.

The set of rolls 38 consist of a guide roll 4|, which engages the section aX of the stock, and two conically shaped rolls 42, 43, which engage the opposite faces of one section a and co-operate with the roll 4| to bend the section to the position shown at a", as already set forth. The roll 43 loosely rotates on a shaft 43' mounted in a block 44, the latter being adjustably secured to the under side of the adjacent cross member 3| by a bolt 44 which extends through an elongated slot formed in the member 3|, whereby the roll 43 may be adjusted transversely to the feed of the stock. The block 44 is formed with a threaded opening to receive a screw 45, rotatably mounted at its outer end in a bar 46, to serve as an abutment to resist lateral pressure, the abutment being locked to the block by a jam nut 45. The bar 46 is suitably secured at its opposite ends to the adjacent standards 2. The roll 42 loosely rotates on a shaft 42 mounted on a block 41, which is adjustably supported between guides 48 provided on a base 49, the latter being bolted to the adjacent cross member 3|. The block 41 is provided at its inner end with a depending arm 41 in which is suitably supported a shaft 5|) for the roll 4I. The block 41 is adjustable on the base 49 transversely to the direction of feed of the stock by means of a screw 5| rotatably mounted at its outer end in an end wall 52 and threaded into an opening formed in the block. 53 indicates an abutment to resist lateral pressure transmitted to the block. The abutment 53 consists of a screw threaded at its inner end through an opening formed in a boss on the block 41 and engaging the adjacent standard at its outer end. 'The adjustment of the rolls 42, 43. provides for -their engagement with stock of different thicknesses. Vertical adjustment of the block 44 is provided for by means of a shim 44a, between it and the adjacent cross member 3|. The base 49 is preferably adjustably secured to the adjacent cross member 3| by bolts 49 extending through elongated openings formed therein.

Th-e set of rolls 39 consist of a guide roll 54, which engages the section aX ofthe stock and two conically shaped rolls 55, 56, which engage the opposite faces of the other section a. and cooperate with the roll 54 to bend the section to the position shown at a7, 4as above set forth. The roll 54 loosely rotates on a shaft 54 carried by a block 51 depending from and adjustably se cured by a bolt 51 to the adjacent cross member 3|, the bolt 4extending through an elongated slot so that the block 51 may be adjusted transversely to the direction of feed of the stock. The roll 55 loosely rotates on a shaft 55 carried by a block 58, which is adjustably supported between guid-es 59 provided on the base 49. The block 58 is adjusted transversely to the direction of feed of the stock relative to the roll 56 by means of a screw 60 rotatably mounted at its outer end in an -end wall 6| provided on the base 49 and threaded at its inner end into an opening formed in the block. The roll 56 loosely rotates on a shaft 56' suitably supported in the base 49. The adjustment of the base 49 serves to eect adjustment of the roll 56 relative to the'roll 54 and to insure alinement of the roll group 31 with the rolls of the adjacent main passes.

The set of rolls 40 consist of upper and lower pairs of rolls 62, 63, each pair of rolls being arranged to engage the opposite faces of one of the sections a. The rolls 62, 63, of each pair are mounted on vertical shafts 62', 63', respectively, their peripheries being preferably substantially parallel to their supporting shafts, so that they co-operate to bend the sections a back to a predetermined position relative to the section ax, for example, at right angles thereto as shown in the disclosed form of construction. The rolls 62, 63 of each pair are preferably of different diameters and reversely arranged with respect tothe rolls of the other pair, so that the outer side of each smaller roll need not extend unduly beyond the outer side of the larger roll of the other pair above or below it, thereby permitting assembly in minimum space. As shown, the larger rolls 62 are disposed in over lapping spaced relation so as to engage the opposite faces of the section a to guide it and permit the peripheries of the rolls of each pair to effect the reversely bending of the sections a, a., from the positions shown -in Figs. 12 and 13 to that shown in Fig. 14, that is, to the prcdetermined position a8.

Each roll 62, 63, is provided with a bushing to loosely rotate on their supporting shafts 62', 63', respectively. The shafts 62', 63 for the upper pair of rolls are suitably mounted in and depend from block 64 and are provided at their lower ends with nuts 65 engaging washers which engage the outer ends of the bushings to support the rolls on their shafts, the outer ends of the rolls being formed with recesses 66 to receive the nuts 65, whereby the pairs of rolls may be related to effect engagement of the opposed sides of the rolls 62 with the opposite faces of the section ax. Each block 64 is slidably mounted in ways 61 provided in a base member 68, which is suitably secured to the adjacent cross member 3l. Adjustment of each block 64 transversely to the feed of the stock is effected by means of a screw 69 rotatably mounted at its outer end in an end wall 10 provided on the base member 68 and threaded at its inner end into an opening formed in the adjacent block.

The shafts 62', 63 for the lower pair of rolls are adjustably mounted on the adjacent cross member 3| similarly to the shafts for the upper pair of rolls.

The stock is fed to the main pass I (Fig. 15) the rolls of which operate to set the sections a, a, a, in their final angular relation into which they were bent by the set of rolls 40. The rolls l5 then feed the stock to and between a pair of guide rolls 1l, 12, as shown in Fig. 16. The rolls 1I, 12, overlap each other so as to engage the opposite faces of the section a and that their outer ends may engage the sections a, a, respectively. Each roll 1l, 12 preferably loosely rotates on a shaft 13 supported in a block 14, the latter being slidably mounted in suitable transverse guides 14 provided in a bridge member 15, which is supported at its opposite ends on brackets 16 fixed to the adjacent standards 2. The block 14 which supports the shaft for the roll 12 is adjusted by means of a screw 11 rotatably supported at its outer end by an end wall 18 provided on the bridge member 15 and at its inner end the screw 11 is threaded into an opening formed in the adjacent block 14. Adjustment of the block 14 which supports the shaft for the roll 1I is provided for by means of a screw 19 threaded through an end wall 80 on the bridge member 15 and engaging the block at its inner end, the screw 19 being locked in adjusted position by a jam nut 8|. Each block 14 is rigidly secured in adjusted position by one or more bolts 82, the openings in the bridge member or block being elongated to permit adjustment of the block on the bridge member transversely to the feed of the stock. The block 14 for the shaft for roll 1| is formed in sections to permit the insertion of a shim 83 between them, whereby the roll 1| may be adjusted vertically relative to the roll 12.

The shaped stock, after passing the guide rolls 1I, 12, may be delivered to a suitabley cutoff mechanism capable of cutting the stock into predetermined lengths, one form of cut-off mechanism suitable for carrying out this step of the process being shown in Figs. l, 2 and 2a.

As already set forth, the herein disclosed machine and process may b-e adapted for forming stock having different cross sectional shapes, other than Z-shape. For example, channel shape, as shown at A in Fig. 18 and by suitable roll passes, sections thereof may be corrugated transversely (Fig. 27) or longitudinally (Fig. 28) for reinforcing purposes dependent upon the use of the channel. Fig. 19 shows a channel A', one side wall of which is formed with a iiange B, and portions thereof may be corrugated transversely (Fig. 29) or longitudinally (Fig. 30). Fig. 20 shows a stock formed into L-shape C, which may be corrugated transversely (Fig. 31) or longitudinally (Fig. 32). The L-shape C may be provided with a false bead c and also corrugated transversely (Fig. 33) or longitudinally (Fig. 34). Where the stock is Z-shaped, it may be provided with a iiange c', as shown in Fig. 22. Fig. 22 shows Z-shaped stock D wherein one section is bent laterally along a longitudinal line d. The Z-shaped stock D may be corrugated transversely (Fig. 37) or longitudinally (Fig. 38). Fig. 24 shows L-shaped stock E having false beads e along its opposite edges and either or both sections thereof may be corrugated transversely (Fig. 35) or longitudinally (Fig. 36). Fig. 25 shows U-shaped stock F having flanges of which are provided with false beads f rolled on top of the flanges (Fig. 25) or under them (Fig. 26) also the section of the U-shaped stock F may be corrugated transversely (Fig. 39) or longitudinally (Fig. 40).

Figs. 41 and 42 show members of generally U- shape or channel shape in cross section, each provided with flanges f, the 'marginal portions of which are rolled back therein as shown at f2 to form guides for similarly shaped flanges on adjoining members. In this arrangement the guides along the opposite sides of one member telescopically iit the guides of adjoining members, whereby a plurality of members may be connected together to form a Wall and thus be used 

